Recognized as a precision method, St. Louis, MO, Wire EDM handles complex shapes in hard or delicate materials without direct contact. Its capability keeps wire EDM at the core of Precision CNC Machining and today’s manufacturing.
Roberson Machine Company applies advanced wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) systems to achieve burr-free, consistent outcomes across projects from detailed prototypes to mission-critical production parts. Reach out at 573-646-3996 or contact us online to see how St. Louis, MO, Wire EDM can improve speed and quality for your next project.
Article Synopsis
- An overview of how wire EDM works, why it’s a non-contact cutting method, and situations where it beats conventional machining.
- Key specifications and capabilities including tolerances, taper limits, work envelopes, and materials to assess project fit.
- Clear examples of real-world applications and industries like aerospace, medical, packaging, and energy, plus the roles responsible.
- Highlighting what Roberson Machine Company brings to the table, such as established processes, modern technology, and predictable timelines.
From aerospace parts to medical components, wire EDM provides design and production options beyond the reach of conventional processes. We’ll detail in the next sections how wire EDM works, where it applies, and what to expect when you choose Roberson Machine Company.
Table of Contents
- What Is Wire EDM Machining?
- Real-World Applications for Wire EDM and Precision Cutting
- FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC: New Wire EDM Technology
- Wire EDM Capabilities & Specs
- Who Uses EDM Wire Cutting
- Materials We Work With for Wire EDM
- Why Roberson Machine Company
See more about our machining capabilities, reviews, and information on St. Louis, MO, Wire EDM from the blog and FAQs.
What Is Wire EDM Machining? | [city, MO, Precision CNC Services
As part of our complete CNC machining offering, wire EDM is a unique and highly precise method. Unlike standard machining tools that make contact, wire EDM uses a fine, electrically charged wire to cut conductive metals. The wire produces controlled sparks that erode material along a programmed path, creating extremely accurate cuts with no mechanical stress on the part or component.
It’s particularly suited for work conventional tools can’t handle: detailed profiles, slim slots, sharp internal corners, and parts in hardened steels, titanium, carbide, or similar alloys. The process produces clean, accurate cuts that are ready for assembly, finishing, or the next stage of production.
Real-World Applications for St. Louis, MO, Wire EDM and Precision Cutting
Use wire EDM for jobs where standard machining can’t meet geometry, surface, or tolerance specs—like hard alloys, thin-walled parts, or components sensitive to cutting forces. It delivers burr-free, precise cuts on conductive metals such as titanium, carbide, Inconel, and hardened steels.
Wire EDM serves St. Louis, MO, teams handling prototypes, fixtures, and production-scale projects. Frequent applications include:
- Aerospace: Fine turbine slots, seal features, and tooling inserts engineered to hold tolerance post heat treat.
- Military & Defense: Hardened alloys and mission assemblies where crisp internal corners and accuracy are vital.
- Automotive: Prototypes, powertrain tooling, and mold inserts made with precision internal details.
- Medical: Precision implant components, surgical instruments, and micro-scale features cut without burrs.
- Packaging: Precision forming dies and durable wear components cut with clean edges and smooth finishes.
- Food & Beverage: Food-grade stainless components built for washdown service, free from stress or burrs.
- Oil & Energy: Precision-machined sealing surfaces, pump hardware, and alloys that withstand corrosive environments.
- Automation & Robotics: Fixtures, housings, and robotic components machined with fine internal accuracy.
- Firearm Manufacturing: Internal parts, slides, and firearm tooling cut to deliver repeatable precision and crisp edges.
- Consumer & Commercial Products: Precision branding dies, fixtures, and parts for consumer and commercial applications.
- OEM & Custom Applications: Prototype one-offs through full production runs in hardened or exotic alloys—if conductive, we cut it.
Have a project or a problem? Contact us online or call 573-646-3996 to discuss your St. Louis, MO, wire EDM machining needs.
FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC: New Wire EDM Technology
We’ve brought in a FANUC ROBOCUT α-C400iC to raise throughput, precision, and thin-wire capabilities. It delivers fast auto-threading, stable long runs, and excellent surface finishes—ideal for complex features and tight internal clearances.
| Specification | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Max Workpiece Size | 730 × 630 × 250 mm (28.74″ × 24.80″ × 9.84″) | Compact footprint with generous load space. |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 500 kg (≈1,100 lbs) | Stable cutting on medium-to-heavy parts. |
| Table Travel (X/Y/Z) | 400 × 300 × 255 mm (15.75″ × 11.81″ × 10.04″) | Precise positioning for complex features. |
| U/V Travel | ±60 mm | Supports advanced taper and offset work. |
| Max Taper | ±30° @ 80 mm (3.15″); option: ±45° @ 40 mm (1.57″) | Handles steep tapers on thicker stock. |
| Wire Diameter | 0.10–0.30 mm (≈0.004″–0.012″); option: 0.05 mm (≈0.002″) | Thin-wire option supports ultra-fine features. |
| Controller | FANUC 31i-WB | Modern control with iHMI interface. |
| Notable Features | AWF3 auto threading, iPulse3 discharge control, AI thermal compensation, Core Stitch | Improves uptime, finish quality, and accuracy on long runs. |
What’s different? Compared to legacy specs, the ROBOCUT adds thin-wire capability down to ≈0.002″, advanced taper options (±45° @ 1.57″ with option), and faster, more stable unattended cutting thanks to AWF3 and iPulse3. Since the work envelope and load capacity aren’t the same as legacy units, we assign the proper machine for your part dimensions and tolerance demands.
Wire EDM Capabilities & Specs
Serving St. Louis, MO, our Wire EDM offering accommodates both tiny features and oversized workpieces, ensuring crisp edges and dependable accuracy on conductive materials. Below is a general breakdown of wire EDMs:
Core Capabilities
| Capability | Spec | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Max Cutting Height | 16.5″ | Tackle tall parts and deep cavities without multiple setups. |
| Tolerance Maintained | ±0.0003″ | Hit critical features for aerospace, medical, and precision tooling. |
| Max Taper Angle | 45° | Produce complex profiles and reliefs in mold and die work. |
| Wire Diameter Range | .002″–.010″ | Cut ultra-fine details or heavier sections as the job requires. |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 1,800 lbs | Run large industrial components with stable fixturing. |
Work Envelope
| Axis | Travel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| X / Y / Z | 21.7″ × 14.6″ × 12.2″ | Flexible capacity for varied part sizes and setups. |
Taper Capability by Thickness
| Workpiece Thickness | Typical Max Taper | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 12″ | ±10° | Thick tooling plates and heavy die sections. |
| 3.25″ | 30° | Mold components with angled relief features. |
| 1.93″ | 45° | Sharp internal corners and complex taper profiles. |
Need details on a part or material? Contact us or call 573-646-3996 to learn more about Wire EDM in St. Louis, MO.
Who Uses EDM Wire Cutting in St. Louis, MO?
More than a tool for machine shops, Wire EDM is a precision option for professionals who demand complex parts be right from the start. We deliver Wire EDM solutions for:
- Project Managers & Directors: Avoid major overruns with components that arrive as specified and on time, keeping your schedule intact.
- Prototype Engineers: Confirm and improve prototypes fast, then transition smoothly to production.
- Quality Assurance Teams: Access precision parts that hold consistent dimensions and meet exacting tolerance specs.
- Compliance & Regulatory Specialists: Obtain parts that meet strict specifications and pass inspection with confidence.
- Maintenance & Reliability Engineers: Replace worn or damaged components with precise, like-for-like replacements that minimize downtime.
If your job depends on precision, our St. Louis, MO, EDM wire cutting capabilities help you get there on time and within budget.
Materials We Work With for Wire EDM
Wire EDM works only on electrically conductive materials, making it ideal for metals and alloys that are difficult to cut with traditional tools. It delivers clean, burr-free results without mechanical stress or thermal distortion—whether the job calls for thin-walled parts, hardened steels, or exotic alloys.
- Aluminum: Corrosion-resistant and lightweight, frequently machined into housings, brackets, prototypes, and precision parts.
- Stainless Steel: Strong, corrosion-resistant, and relied on for medical equipment, aerospace hardware, and food-safe parts.
- Brass & Copper: Used extensively in electrical and fluid applications thanks to their conductivity and ease of machining.
- Titanium: Lightweight yet strong and corrosion-resistant—ideal for aerospace structures, surgical tools, and performance parts where strength-to-weight ratio matters.
- Tool Steels & Carbides: Durable and capable of machining hardened steels and carbide, widely used for molds, dies, and industrial wear parts.
Wire EDM in St. Louis, MO, is part of the broader set of CNC machining processes we rely on to meet precise project requirements. Depending on the application, some projects use Wire EDM exclusively, while others combine it with turning, milling, or different machining strategies.
Why Roberson Machine Company for St. Louis, MO, Wire EDM Cutting?
For over two decades, Roberson Machine Company has provided precision machining services to industries that demand absolute accuracy. Our advanced CNC shop and dedicated wire EDM equipment let us pair technical expertise with reliable lead times, responsive support, and a wide array of value-added services for St. Louis, MO, clients.
Additional machining capabilities we provide are:
- Custom CNC Machining for Part Production
- CNC Machine Automation
- Oil and Gas Precision Machining
- Aerospace Manufacturing
- Automotive Part Manufacturing
- EDM Machining
- High Volume CNC Machining
- Industrial Automation
- Solar Panel Manufacturers
- Microscope Parts Precision Machining
Offering advanced machining services and expert guidance through the entire production process, the Roberson Machine Company is your go-to for surgical-grade wire EDM solutions. For more information on St. Louis, MO, Wire EDM services, explore our team and history, request a quote online, or call 573-646-3996.